Weaning: Tips for breast-feeding mothers

Weaning doesn't have to be difficult. Find out how to choose the right time and what you can do to ease your child's transition to the bottle or cup.
By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you're breast-feeding, you might have questions about weaning. When is the right time? Will weaning upset your child? How can you avoid engorgement? Get the facts about weaning and how you can make the process a more positive one for you and your child.

When's the best time to start weaning?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months after birth — and breast-feeding in combination with solids foods until at least age 1. Extended breast-feeding is recommended as long as you and your baby wish to continue. Still, when to start weaning your child is a personal decision.

It's often easiest to begin weaning when your baby starts the process — which might be sooner or later than you expect. Changes in breast-feeding patterns leading to weaning often begin naturally at age 6 months, when solid foods are typically introduced. Some children begin to seek other forms of nutrition and comfort at around age 1. By this age, children typically eat a variety of solid foods and might be able to drink from a cup. Other children might not initiate weaning until they become toddlers, when they're less willing to sit still during breast-feeding.

You might also decide when to start the weaning process yourself. This might be more difficult than following your child's lead — but can be done with some extra care and sensitivity.

Whenever you choose to start weaning your baby from the breast, stay focused on your child's needs as well as your own. Resist comparing your situation with that of other families, and consider rethinking any deadlines you might have set for weaning when you were pregnant or when your baby was a newborn.

Are there certain times when it wouldn't be smart to start weaning?

Consider delaying weaning if:

You're concerned about allergens. Some research suggests that exclusive breast-feeding for at least six months — instead of using formula made with cow's milk — might prevent or delay eczema, cow's milk allergy, and wheezing in early childhood.

Your child isn't feeling well. If your child is ill or teething, postpone weaning until he or she is feeling better. You might also consider postponing weaning if you're not feeling well. You and your child are more likely to handle the transition well if you're both in good health.

A major change has occurred at home. Avoid initiating weaning during a time of major change at home. If your family has recently moved or your child care situation has changed, for example, postpone weaning until a less stressful time.

What's the best way to begin weaning?

When you start the weaning process, take it slow. Slowly tapering off how long and how often you breast-feed each day — over the course of weeks or months — will cause your milk supply to gradually diminish and prevent discomfort caused by engorgement. If you do experience engorgement during the weaning process, however, apply cold compresses to your breasts to help decrease swelling and discomfort.

Keep in mind that children tend to be more attached to the first and last feedings of the day, when the need for comfort is greater. These feedings might be the last ones your child drops. As a result, it might be easier to drop a midday breast-feeding session first. If you're weaning a child age 1 or older, consider not offering this feeding and seeing if he or she requests it. After a lunch of solid food, your child might become interested in an activity and naturally give up this session. Once you've successfully dropped one feeding, you can start working on dropping another.

You might also choose to wean your baby from breast milk during the day but continue breast-feeding at night. Remember, it's up to you and your child.

Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Academy of Pediatrics Policy. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org. Accessed July 17, 2012.

Greer FR, et al. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: The role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121:183.

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